My PC has been unstable even after reinstalling drivers, restarting, and completely wiping Windows. It sometimes gives four beeps during startup; occasionally it boots normally, while other times I have to reset the CMOS. More recently, VALORANT will not launch, Discord randomly reloads, and both Chrome and Edge frequently crash or close. File Explorer and other basic Windows functions have also failed at times. I initially suspected my GeForce RTX 3070, but the same crashes happened when I removed it and used the integrated graphics. Event Viewer shows application errors involving msedge.exe, consent.exe, and Riot Vanguard. The system is about 18 months old, except for the RTX 3070, which is around five or six years old. Specs: Ryzen 7 9700X, ASUS Prime B650-Plus, 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5-4800 CL40, GeForce RTX 3070, and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 adapter. Could faulty RAM, the motherboard, power supply, or something else be causing this?
3 Answers
The Event Viewer entries are probably symptoms rather than the root cause. Since unrelated programs, File Explorer, and Windows components are all crashing, I would test system stability before focusing on VALORANT, Vanguard, or Wi-Fi. Run MemTest86 from a bootable USB for several passes, then test each RAM stick separately with the other stick removed. Also make sure the RAM is fully seated and try running it at default JEDEC settings rather than EXPO. Unstable DDR5 or a memory-controller issue can cause seemingly random application crashes and failed boots.
The four-beep code depends on the exact ASUS board and BIOS version, so check the motherboard manual for its meaning rather than assuming it points to the graphics card. Clear CMOS properly, update the BIOS to a stable current release, and check that the board is running the correct settings for the Ryzen 7 9700X. If the beeps continue at default settings, inspect the motherboard diagnostic LEDs and consider testing with the minimum hardware connected: CPU, one RAM stick, boot drive, and no extra USB devices.
Because the crashes remained after removing the RTX 3070, the GPU and wireless connection are unlikely to be the main cause. I would also check the power supply, motherboard power cables, and SSD health. An aging or marginal PSU can produce both startup problems and random application failures. Check Windows system files with DISM and SFC, but if those report corruption repeatedly after a clean installation, focus on hardware rather than reinstalling Windows again.
I had not tested the sticks individually yet, so I will try that and leave EXPO disabled. The fact that even File Explorer has crashed makes a memory or motherboard problem seem more likely.